Inca Trail Express - 1 Day

The Inca Trail Express to the citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the most rewarding full-day experiences for travelers eager to discover and immerse themselves in the treasures, nature, and history of the Inca culture. This innovative tour route offers the opportunity to walk a short version of the classic Inca Trail.

You’ll enjoy breathtaking landscapes, gain insight into the region’s history and culture through a guided tour, and explore some of the most important archaeological sites—an entirely different way to experience the Wonder of the World—Machu Picchu.

INCLUDES:

• Pre-departure briefing with your guide
• Transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station
• Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
• Professional bilingual guide (English–Spanish)
• Boxed lunch
• Inca Trail entrance permit
• Downhill bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station back to Cusco

NOT INCLUDED:

• Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
• Hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes
• Services not mentioned

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• The hike takes approximately 6 hours—trekking shoes are highly recommended.
• Bring a small daypack with a camera, sunhat, sunscreen, jacket, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a bottle of water.
• Keep in mind: the hike takes place at high altitude, so make sure you are properly acclimatized.
• Bring a rain jacket or poncho.
• Don’t forget your personal hygiene essentials.

Our Inca Trail Express tour starts early, with a 3:30 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco to transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. There, you’ll board the 5:00 a.m. train to Km 104. The 90-minute train ride offers the chance to admire the Andean landscapes surrounding the Sacred Valley, along with views of the Vilcanota River.

The stunning landscapes in this area provide a haven for ornithologists, biologists, scientists, and nature lovers, with archaeological sites, varied scenery, and diverse microclimates that, over time, have given rise to a rich diversity of plants, animals, and insects across the Andean mountains and cloud forests.

We’ll stop at Km 104 at Chachabamba, where you’ll cross a bridge and enter the Inca Trail network. After your tickets and passport are checked, you’ll begin the trek along the sacred trail. As you climb uphill to the first site, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, a small archaeological group linked to Machu Picchu and hidden in the semitropical forest.

After visiting this site, you’ll begin a steady ascent, encountering orchids, mushrooms, and various epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants, attached to trunks and branches) and lithophytes (plants that grow on rocks), common in the inter-Andean climate and misty conditions of the tropical forest. Continuing along the Inca Trail, you’ll reach the first panoramic view of Wiñaywayna from stunning viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll pass Phuyuwachi Waterfall, a natural cascade that flows down from the heights of Phuyupatamarka, where you can observe a variety of wild flora and native birds of the region.

After about 3 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the well-preserved remains of Wiñaywayna (Wiñayhuayna), located at 2,650 meters above sea level and 5 km southeast of Machu Picchu. This archaeological site features a ceremonial and productive complex with an architectural layout typical of the Inca culture and served as a control point for access to Machu Picchu. The name Wiñaywayna comes from an orchid abundant in the area.

After a short break to recharge, you’ll continue to Intipunku (Sun Gate), the entrance to the citadel. With the satisfaction of having completed this section of the Inca Trail, take some time to rest, enjoy the scenery, and take in your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu and its surroundings.

Finally, you’ll cross the ridge leading to your destination, descend, and walk through the archaeological site—a modern-day delight for every visitor. After a general overview and orientation of the Machu Picchu citadel, you’ll take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes. From there, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco, concluding your one-day Inca Trail Express tour—a journey that offers a wide variety of experiences. Enjoy all the options CuscoPeru.com has for you on this unforgettable route from Cusco to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

HIKING LEVEL
The INCA TRAIL EXPRESS – 1 DAY hike is rated Level 3–4:

• Level 1: Easy – flat terrain, no difficulty
• Level 2: Moderate – mostly flat with slight inclines
• Level 3: Demanding – uneven paths and steady climbs
• Level 4: Challenging – steep and rugged terrain

INCLUDES:

• Pre-departure briefing with your guide
• Transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station
• Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
• Professional bilingual guide (English–Spanish)
• Boxed lunch
• Inca Trail entrance permit
• Downhill bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station back to Cusco

NOT INCLUDED:

• Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
• Hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes
• Services not mentioned

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• The hike takes approximately 6 hours—trekking shoes are highly recommended.
• Bring a small daypack with a camera, sunhat, sunscreen, jacket, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a bottle of water.
• Keep in mind: the hike is at high altitude, so make sure you are properly acclimatized.
• Bring a rain jacket or poncho.
• Don’t forget your personal hygiene essentials.

IMPORTANT:

• TRAINS: Our service includes the EXPEDITION or VOYAGER Train for the round trip; you can upgrade to the VISTADOME Train category for an additional 30 USD per person, only for the return trip.
• We can also offer you the VISTADOME OBSERVATORY TRAIN, with an additional 90 USD per person round trip.
• HOTELS: You can choose packages based on the type of Hotel, you can also opt for Hotels that are not listed in our offer, before confirming you must inform us of the hotel you prefer and we will add it to the package.
• PRIVATE: Consult with one of our advisors if you want any of the services in private.

To start your reservation process please send us the following information:

• Name and surname:
• Passport No.:
• Nationality:
• Date of birth:
• Sex:
• Phone:
• It is very important your information about your hotel in the city of Cusco, so we can pick you up there at the beginning of the tour..

1. Payment by credit card VISA or MASTERCARD through our system www.cuscoperu.com/payment the system charges an additional 5% (SSL secure system and foreign bank transfer fees).
2. Sending the advance via Western Union coordinating with our sales representative and sending the request to info@cuscoperu.com, then you must send us the MTCN code of your deposit.
3. Payment via deposit to our company's account at BBVA Banco Continental Cuenta Corriente: Account Code. Interbank: (CCI) 011 201 000100028495 18 - CUSCOPERU.COM Tour Operator SRL - SWIFT CODE: BCONPEPL - you must add U$89.00 which is the charge that our bank makes to our account for international transfer and administrative expenses, you should also consult your bank about the additional amount that you will be charged.
4. Payment by credit card VISA - MASTERCARD with the PAYPAL system generating the payment order that we would send you from CuscoPeru.com e-commerce If you accept this option you will have a 7% surcharge.